Outline

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Comprehensive, compassionate, non-pathologizing treatment approach
• Paradigm-shifting perspective on “psychopathology”
• Easily integrated into other therapeutic modalities
• Teach clients to access inner wisdom and self-compassion to permanently heal traumatic wounds

Evolution of the Model

• Development of the IFS model by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D.
• IFS as an empirically validated treatment: Summary of research support

Composition of the Psyche

• Concept of multiplicity: “We are all multiple personalities.”
• Components of the psyche:
  • Wounded, vulnerable, parts
  • Protective parts: proactive and reactive
  • Burdens: Negative beliefs about oneself
  • The Self: compassionate inner leader and internal source of wisdom and healing energy
• Guide clients to access their own inner wisdom and healing potential
• IFS-specific techniques for in-the-moment emotion regulation, helpful even with panic, flashbacks, and dissociation

The IFS Model

• Assumptions of the model
• Goals of IFS therapy
• Flow of the IFS model over the course of treatment
• Flow of an individual IFS session

Case Conceptualization in IFS

• Diversity and cultural sensitivity
• How IFS understands personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, and addiction

IFS Step-by-Step

Step 1: Using Meditative Processes to Identify and Connect with a Target Part

• Differentiate the person from the symptom
• Access a state of compassion and curiosity essential for healing
• Establish a relationship with the target part
• Learn the history and benevolent intention behind the symptom

Step 2: Working with Protective Parts

• Facilitate internal attachment work
• Learn and address the fears/concerns of protective parts
• Establish a trusting and appreciative relationship with proactive and reactive protectors
• Gain permission to proceed to healing

Step 3: Healing the Traumatic Wound

• Develop a compassionate, connected relationship with the wounded part
• Witness the pain rather than re-experience it: Learn to be “with”, not “in”, to avoid re-traumatization
• Retrieve the wounded part from “trauma time”
• Release/unburden thoughts, feelings, and beliefs
• Integrate change into the system and use maintenance and troubleshooting strategies

Bringing IFS Concepts to Life

• Experiential exercise
• Video demonstration of IFS therapy with a real client
• Step-by-step commentary to solidify understanding of techniques illustrated in the video session

Faculty

Dr. Alexia Rothman, Ph.D. Related seminars and products: 1

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Alexia (Lexi) D. Rothman, Ph.D., is a certified IFS therapist and consultant in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Rothman has been in private practice since 2004. She has received extensive training in Internal Family Systems Therapy from IFS developer, Dr. Richard Schwartz, and has assisted in multiple Level 1 and 2 IFS trainings around the country, as well as serving as a professional consultant for IFS therapists.

She is a United States Presidential Scholar who graduated summa cum laude from Emory University as a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar. Dr. Rothman received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA, where she was an Edwin W. Pauley Fellow and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. She has held adjunct faculty positions at Emory University and Agnes Scott College.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Alexia Rothman maintains a private practice. She receives an honorarium from Center for Self Leadership. Dr. Rothman receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Alexia Rothman is a member of the American Psychological Association; and the Georgia Psychological Association.